UTI

What is a urinary tract infection, or UTI?

When any part of your urinary tract becomes infected, you experience pain and frequent urination — two of the most common signs of a UTI. Your urinary tract consists of your bladder, urethra, ureter, and kidneys, and a UTI typically begins in your bladder or urethra. Because of the way your body is designed, women are more susceptible to UTIs than men and sometimes suffer from recurring UTIs.

It’s important to seek treatment for a urinary tract infection so it doesn’t spread to your ureter and kidneys causing further health complications.

What are the usual symptoms of a UTI?

You may not experience noticeable symptoms at first, but if you do have an infection somewhere in your urinary tract, symptoms usually include any of the following:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation or pain while urinating
• Cloudy or discolored urine
• Blood in your urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Feeling that you can’t completely empty your bladder
• Pelvic pain and discomfort

If the infection travels to your kidneys, you may also feel pain in your back accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting. If you have severe symptoms, contact your doctor immediately as a kidney infection can be an indication of a more serious health issue.

What causes UTIs in women?

A bladder infection (cystitis) or one in the urethra are the most common types of UTIs in women and can result from the presence of E. coli bacteria. Sexual intercourse can lead to cystitis, but even if you aren’t sexually active, the design of a woman’s anatomy, with a short distance between the urethra and the anus, may allow bacteria to get into your system and cause a urinary tract infection.

Additionally, sexually transmitted diseases may lead to UTIs. After menopause, the decline in estrogen causes changes in your urinary tract that make you more susceptible to infection.

How do you treat UTIs?

In most cases, UTIs are highly treatable with antibiotics. Your doctor prescribes medication based on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. You typically get pain relief soon after taking the antibiotic, but you should still continue to take your medicine, so it completely cures your infection.

Vaginal estrogen therapy may also help treat frequent UTIs after menopause. You can also take steps to prevent UTIs by drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria from your system and avoiding drinks that may irritate your bladder, such as coffee and alcohol.

For expert diagnosis and treatment for UTIs, call the office for an appointment, or book online.